Online Resources & Scholarships for CNA Students | EduMed.org
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CNA students can access different financial aid sources to cover some of the costs of their education — maybe even the entirety of it. This guide offers details on scholarship opportunities and other support resources from the top CNA programs to help relieve some of the financial burden in becoming a successful nursing assistant. Read on to learn about funding resources from around the country potential grants, and tips on how to ace your financial aid application.
Scholarships and Grants for CNA Students
Scholarships and grants are some of the most desired forms of student financial aid for the simple reason that they don’t need to be paid back. Whether you’re a low-income student looking for financial resources or have other concerns about the cost of your education, CNA students can turn to scholarships and grants since many are offered directly by colleges or by private organizations and public agencies that support CNAs and other nursing professions.
Below, we’ve spotlighted some of the nursing scholarships currently available, including national and regional options for which you may qualify as a CNA student. These examples can be quality barometers as you research further into financial aid that may work best for your needs, so read on to learn about the options available to students like you.
AAMN Scholarships
The American Association for Men in Nursing gives scholarships for students in any type of program to encourage more men to join the nursing discipline. Applicants must provide a reference letter, personal statement, financial need breakdown, current academic and work hours, and honors and awards you’ve received, among other items.
Amount: $1,000
American Indian Medical Scholarship
This scholarship is for American Indian students who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program, including pre-nursing programs. The award can cover the entirety of the CNA education program. Recipients should plan to work for facilities that serve Native American populations and want to improve healthcare quality for that population.
Amount: $1,500 per academic term
Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship
If you are a full-time nursing student pursuing an undergraduate certificate or degree, and you had a three-year gap between high school and college enrollment, you qualify for this degree that encourages non-traditional students to pursue medical education. The scholarship is sponsored by B4 Brands hand hygiene company.
Amount: $1,000
Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship
To encourage more nurses in the workplace, Daughters of the American Revolution gives an annual scholarship to students who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program and can demonstrate financial aid needs. Qualified students must complete an application and provide a letter of acceptance or transcript that verifies their enrollment status.
Amount: $2,500
Lamber & Goodnow Nursing Scholarship
This law firm based in Denver, Phoenix, and Chicago awards an annual scholarship to a nursing student so that compassionate and quality-focused nursing can continue to make a difference in people’s lives. You need to be applying to or already enrolled in a nursing program and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Amount: $1,000
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Midwest Medical Center CNA Scholarship
Students that want to work for this Illinois hospital after graduation are eligible for this award. If you receive the scholarship, you are able to go immediately through the hiring process at MMC and are required to work for the medical center for at least a year.
Amount: Up to $2,000
Nebraska Health Care Foundation Quarterly Scholarships
A state organization that encourages healthcare careers, this group offers three scholarships every quarter to help current CNA students who will work in a Nebraska nursing facility or assisted living community upon graduation. Applicants need to complete the online application form and provide any required documentation to the selection committee.
Amount: $500
Nursing Scholarship for Single Parents
The FVI School of Nursing and Technology gives three scholarships a year to Florida nursing students who are single parents to encourage them to pursue their educational and career goals. Students apply by submitting an essay or video about meeting challenges and outlining why you are a good scholarship candidate.
Amount: $1,000
Senior Justice Law Firm CNA Scholarship
CNA students in any state qualify for this award from a law firm that wants more nurses to help seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. You must upload a resume and write an essay about becoming a CNA as part of the scholarship application.
Amount: $1,000
Veterans Health Professional Scholarship Program
If you are a U.S. veteran who is being trained for a role in healthcare services, you can apply for this scholarship that pays 100% of a student’s fees and tuition. To qualify, you need to have a 3.0 GPA or better.
Amount: Varies depending on nursing program
The Keys to Succeed on CNA Scholarship Applications
Locating relevant scholarships is one thing — winning the awards is something else entirely. Most of them follow a similar process, from searching for the best ones for you to tailoring your submission materials to earn it. Here are some tips to help you land your CNA scholarship and stand out among the competition.
Key #1: Cast as wide a net as possible
Before you begin writing, plan to submit for more scholarships than you need. Applying does not guarantee an award, so this will increase your chances of earning enough financial aid to cover your program costs. Prioritize ones strictly for CNAs, but also find ones that cover any kind of nursing education.
Key #2: Do some research on potential employers
You may already have an idea of where you want to work after you earn a certificate. Start early and reach out to those employers as you apply. They may be able to offer incentives or additional backing that can help you land more competitive awards.
Key #3: Start making connections through nursing groups
Sometimes working professionals familiar with the healthcare industry may know about additional scholarships that are not widely advertised. Research, ask around, and make connections not only for your financial aid, but for your future career. Doing volunteer work in your community or joining CNA-specific or nurse-oriented national organizations are helpful starts.
Key #4: Write about interests or personal experiences in essays
It’s best to showcase your love of helping patients and ambition for pursuing healthcare as a career in your essay or entry letter. Scholarship selection committees look for that enthusiasm, so make a detailed case for yourself by talking about any care experience you have or how quality healthcare has changed you or your loved ones’ lives.
Key #5: Follow instructions carefully when you apply
Your application materials act as an extension of yourself, so proofread everything before you submit and be sure to follow the requirements carefully. This is especially important when it comes to essays, but it’s also true when you answer multiple questions on application forms. Check and check again, every time.
Essential Funding Resources for CNA Students
When searching for the money to fund your CNA education, you might need to go beyond scholarships to find it. The good news is there are many other ways to secure financial aid. Here are just a few other places to look for nurse education funding sources.
CNA Programs and Classes with Funding Assistance
There are several CNA-specific training and education programs that are more robust about offering financial aid opportunities. Here is a list on what is offered and how you may qualify.
Federal Grants for CNA Education
Most grants do not have to be repaid, so use the federal FAFSA forms to determine the ones you are eligible for. This site explains the different federal grants available.
Individual States with Financial Aid Programs
All 50 states have some kind of government financial aid program for which many CNA students would qualify. This map shows what’s currently available.
Nursing School Budgeting Tips and Resources
Strong budget techniques for your CNA nursing education fund can help you create a workable plan that also ties in to the goals you want to reach.
A One-Stop Shop for Financial Aid for Students
We’ve prepared a thorough look at all the aspects of financial aid for students, including the types of funding sources you can combine to earn the most support for your education.
Student Loans
It may be a last resort for some people, but there are loans available at rates that make sense for student budgets. Here’s one additional look at how to secure a student loan.
Study reimbursement from an employer
Some medical facilities or healthcare providers want to help pay for your CNA education. This website goes into scenarios and tactics if you want to find or ask an employer for financial aid.
Work-Study Options
Some students will qualify for federal work study money, which is given to people who want to work part-time (including in community service) while enrolled in a school program.
